E-Liquid

Cherry e-liquid from MystMasters. Hear about it here.

E-Liquid isn't a very new thing, but to those new to the e-cig world, it can seem almost foreign. I'm going to try my best to explain e-liquid, how to use it, why use it, and everything in between. Not everyone likes to drip, but for some they couldn't live without it. 

Click the cut to learn all about E-liq!

What is E-Liquid?

Wiki says this;

Liquid solution consists of flavoring and/or nicotine dissolved in one or several hygroscopic components, which turns the water in the solution into the smoke-like vapour when heated. The most commonly used hygroscopic components are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or polyethylene glycol 400, usually referred to as PG, VG and PEG 400 respectively. All three are common food additives and used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations. Since concerns have been raised by various opponent groups regarding the safety of inhaling these substances, it has been pointed out by proponents that PG has been used as an additive in asthma inhalers and nebulizers since the 1950s, with no serious adverse side effects, and because of its water-retaining properties, is the compound of choice for delivering atomized medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes propylene glycol on its list of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and it meets the requirements of acceptable compounds within Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Or, in simpler terms, liquid nicotine, water, and something found in toothpaste. When it gets hot it turns into vapor, creating the smoke-like effect.

Why E-Liquid?
A few reasons.
Number one, it is more cost efficient. Dripping your own can make your cartridges last longer (they're also cheaper when bought empty), and its overall cheaper to buy liquid than prefilled carts. Plus it puts all your one-time-only carts to good use.
And two, there's more flavors. There's tons of flavors out there only available in liquid form. Even kinds like roast beef, and bacon. You can get almost any flavor you could imagine, and you are able to mix the flavors together. Hey, you can even make your own e-liquid if you really wanted to. E-liquid is more convenient for some people, cheaper, and better quality than prefilled cartridges.

How do I choose a flavor?
It's hard at first, really. You have to remember that the e-cigarette is cleaner than an analog cigarette. When you purchase a tobacco flavor, it will taste more "pure" and "cleaner", something as a smoker you are not going to be used to. Every first timer will probably cough, but you get used to it after the first or second inhale.  Some people may not even taste too much at first. And if you don't get a good liquid, you won't taste much at all. Get a sampler pack if you can, or get a few of the smallest size they have of different flavors. That way you can try different ones, and if you don't like one, you're not wasting a lot, nor are you out a flavor until you get a new one.
Try a few "normal" flavors, like tobacco and menthol, then maybe something like cherry or apple, and maybe a "specialty" like coffee, or maybe waffles, or bourbon. Anything you think you'd like, give it a try.

Where should I buy E-Liquid?
Well, if you're buying your first kit, get liquid from your supplier, it's just easier that way to test it out. Then branch out from there. I haven't tried many brands at all, and it's not like e-cigarettes themselves where I can just say how it works universally, most e-liquids are made by the supplier. So you're going to have to shop around. Right now, I use the e-liquid from MystMasters which is so far the best e-liquid out of 4 brands that I have tried. People also really seem to like Totally Wicked E Liquid and they have a big reputation around the e-cig world.

Now that you know about e-liquid, it's all about how. And it's simple. All you do is remove the cartridge from your e-cigarette, and drip liquid into the fiber material inside. Don't overflow it! But if you do, just take a tissue and absorb the extra off. You'll know you need to refill when you're getting less vapor, and the vapor you do get tastes dirty, burned, or just plain not good.
To refill a cartomizer, drip it into the tiny hole on the bottom/battery side. Let each drop absorb in before you place another. clean up all the edges afterwards. Shake the cartomizer a little bit to try and get all the juice flowing throughout the fibers. Attach it to your battery, and you're good to go!

I hope that this was helpful to you, and if there are any other e-liquid questions let me know in the comments!

Vape on!
-Sugar